Apparatus for generating a virtual image having a variable projection distance

Abstract

A device for generating a virtual image. The device has at least one image-generating unit for producing an image and an optical waveguide for expanding an exit pupil. The optical waveguide has an output coupling region. An optical element for influencing a projection distance for at least a partial region of the virtual image is arranged adjacent to the output coupling region.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A non-wearable device for generating a virtual image in a vehicle, comprising:
 an image-generating unit located in the vehicle for producing an image;   an optical waveguide for expanding an exit pupil;   an output coupling region being part of the optical waveguide;   an optical element for influencing a projection distance for at least a partial region of the virtual image is arranged adjacent to the output coupling region, wherein the optical element has at least two volume holograms arranged next to one another and at different vertical heights with respect to the output coupling region, and wherein at least one projection plane in a near range and at least one projection plane in a far range are realized at the same time by way of the optical element; and   at least one strip-shaped volume hologram wherein the strip-shaped volume hologram is arranged between the at least two volume holograms that are arranged next to one another.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , the optical element further comprising at least one holographic layer. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one holographic layer is switchable. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one holographic layer is switchable depending on a position of the viewer. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , further comprising a control unit for the synchronized control of the at least one holographic layer and the image-generating unit. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 3 , the at least one holographic layer further comprising structures that are switchable by way of liquid crystals. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , the projection plane further comprising a display plane in the near range and the projection plane serves as an augmentation plane in the far range. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one strip-shaped volume hologram partially horizontally overlaps at least one of the at least two volume holograms arranged next to one another. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the volume holograms are switched synchronously with the desired distance of the information to be represented. 
     
     
         10 . A means of transport vehicle having a non-wearable device for generating a virtual image, comprising:
 an image-generating unit located in the vehicle for producing an image;   an optical waveguide for expanding an exit pupil;   an output coupling region being part of the optical waveguide;   an optical element for influencing a projection distance for at least a partial region of the virtual image is arranged adjacent to the output coupling region, wherein the optical element has at least two volume holograms arranged next to one another and at different vertical heights with respect to the output coupling region, and wherein at least one projection plane in a near range and at least one projection plane in a far range are realized at the same time by way of the optical element; and   at least one strip-shaped volume hologram wherein the strip-shaped volume hologram is arranged between the at least two volume holograms that are arranged next to one another,   wherein the non-wearable device generates a virtual image for an operator of the means of transport vehicle.   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the strip-shaped volume hologram is arranged vertically between the at least two volume holograms that are arranged next to one another. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the volume holograms are switched synchronously with the desired distance of the information to be represented. 
     
     
         13 . A non-wearable device configured to generate a virtual image in a vehicle, comprising:
 an image-generating unit located in the vehicle for producing an image;   an optical waveguide for expanding an exit pupil;   an output coupling region being part of the optical waveguide;   an optical element for influencing a projection distance for at least a partial region of the virtual image is arranged adjacent to the output coupling region, wherein the optical element has at least two volume holograms arranged next to one another at different vertical heights with respect to the output coupling region, and wherein at least one projection plane in a near range and at least one projection plane in a far range are realized at the same time by way of the optical element; and   at least one strip-shaped volume hologram wherein the strip-shaped volume hologram is arranged between the at least two volume holograms that are arranged next to one another,   wherein the strip-shaped volume hologram is arranged vertically between the at least two volume holograms that are arranged next to one another.